To simplify everyone’s life, we’ve brought together some information concerning the security and attitudes on the water.
At GONG, we defend the access to our sports at spots for everyone’s pleasure. It’s in our DNA. We are anti Localism and/or any other type of authoritarianism. To be very clear.
In order for us to live together there must be rules
- The first reason for these rules is to avoid accidents.
- The second is so that we can all live in the water in harmony, like Ebony… and Ivory…..
At GONG we declare freedom. It seems important to us to inform people of behavior on the water, what’s acceptable and what is not.
In fact, we often find that problems related to spots are related to the lack of knowledge on some people’s behalf with concern to certain rules. There are official ones and unofficial ones.
In no way whatsoever is GONG dictating the rules !!!
Here, we are just trying to bring back the global framework of what’s practiced.
Each person will do as they like. We are in no way trying to change the practice. We’re simply, and modestly trying to make an overview of the good behaviors that should be practiced it the water.
We also understand that some of these rules might bother you. Everyone is free to do as they please but here, beginners have a global panorama of do’s and don’ts.
The rule is the same for everyone and everywhere
The rule is the same for everyone and everywhere : The person the deepest inside (the section of the wave that is closest to breaking) has the priority.
Attention, there are some smart asses that try and drop in too deep inside, and are outside their skill level, and get stuck in a close out every time. This is called the ‘inside game’. After an hour, nobody can take a wave without getting closed in and the wave unfurls unridden….. The pinnacle of idiocy, but, sadly, often times it’s like that. In this case, those whom are sitting on the shoulder are accused of burning the priority and causing the close out. Not untrue, but in reality, they’re the only ones that are well placed. A discussion need to be had so everyone gets back into their place. The rule is the same for everyone : the deepest inside; priority.
On the other hand, some surfers have the skills needed to take the drop and pass the closed section when you could swear they wouldn’t make it. Be incredibly prudent because most of the time we don’t even see them coming till the last second. Keep your eyes open around you, whose paddling, who’s doing what, what their skill level may be. Anticipate.
Others know this rule very well and get closer to the edge than you, and after you, and they claim the inside since they are there the moment you cross them actually being more inside. But originally, you were more inside than they were. Basically, it’s an infraction on the rule, well known and often used in competition. Totally lame.
Respect others
The real rule is to respect others. You can actually have the priority and still let others take waves. In practice the rule in fact makes it so the best rider takes all waves !!! If we play this game, it is not easy for those learning to progress…. Some would even say that they’re in school and someday they’ll be killers…. Not very cool.
We like to think that really good riders aren’t ignoramus’s, and that they’ll share. It’s true at 80% of the spots but unfortunately not the case everywhere.
What’s more, don’t think just because someone let you catch a wave before him that it becomes the new rule !! Be kind, and when the time is right, return the kindness by letting them have a sweet wave that comes through, and do it with a smile.
One of the worst things that can happen is anarchy. Ignoring the rules because you’re too cool and perverse. Accidents arrive faster. Bad habits install themselves. And when someone new arrives they don’t understand anything and everybody’s doing whatever since there are no rules.
When there is a problem the best thing to do is talk about it. Surely there are unspoken things that ruin everyone’s life. Talk when everybody is relaxed so they’re open to receive the message. Some people like to play the top ape and act like they got the biggest cojones. This attitude is ridiculous and needs to be banished. Even if it may seem legitimate in some cases, it’s always stupid.
In this same remark category, shouting, whistling and other type of hurling Baboon activity should not be practiced. There are more relaxed methods of informing someone that they are bothering you or that they are making a mistake!!
Everyone catches a wave
To come back to the Official Rules, there is one about your ‘turn’. Everyone catches a wave and then next in line. If you make a mistake then you go to the back of the line, even if they missed the wave paddling. The manifestation of intent to take a wave is, taking a wave! Regardless of what happens after. It is a sign of respect towards others to get in the back of the line to play fairly.
Another un-official rule is to let the better placed person take the wave. If you’re on the inside and it’s closing, you should tell the guy sitting on the shoulder that he can take your place.
Do Not Waste Any Waves
Everybody’s goal should be simple : Do Not Waste Any Waves. When we say waste, we’re talking about never missing a wave for stupid reasons. Falling off a wave is not a problem for others because it means that you’re trying. Trying to progress, and this is positive for everyone. Don’t be afraid of falling. On the other hand, don’t let waves go by without giving them to others.
Waves are of a limited resource; they travel thousands of miles to release their precious power right at your feet……. It makes them rare and they are highly cherished by surfers….
Do not be a jerk in the water
Another rule is to not be a jerk in the water. The type of guy who has some shit eating’ grin on his face all the time. These are usually nice guys but bothersome and they take too big of risks. They snake the line and drop in where other people are dropping in. Really, it’s not like it puts everyone on edge and helps anyone to get better Mr. Jerkoff ;-)…..(just kidding).
These guys are also the ones who are flailing around in the inside and if somebody falls, they’re sure to pick the wave off. So, guys who know what they’re doing get frustrated and wound up tight because now the spot is blocked. How do you avoid that when you can’t get out of the situation fast enough??? Analyze the situation, don’t hesitate to take the long way around, get back to shore to get a better start. In brief, we must manage the situation and decide. To suffer is the worst because it puts you in danger.
And since we’re talking about Official Rules, here’s one that’s Golden : Be Careful of Your Attitude in the Water.
The best attitude
The best attitude : don’t talk, but still be polite, don’t scream, don’t make noise, don’t splash about for no reason, and move the least amount possible.
Discretion is the key ;-).
It may seem stupid and not so fun but go try and surf in the big stuff and you’ll see this attitude comes quite naturally. And it’s true, we all want to scream when overwhelmed with joy…. But don’t, total faux pas !! That’s how it is. The surf has a Zen and mystical side to it, that people love to find in the water. You can be sure that in 40cm of wave nobody cares. We’re there to have fun and share. It is simply to explain to you that surf mentality is something that is acquired and learned, and for everyone’s sake there are codes.
With concern to the guys who block the peak. There is really no danger in being rail to rail next to your neighbor. At the same time, if you’re too far away then you’ll never make your place. If the dudes are cool, then they might accept you and even give you some good advice. If that doesn’t happen then you’re not doing so well ;-).
To finish, don’t paddle on a wave that somebody’s already paddling on when they’re priority over you. Even if you think they’re going to miss the wave, don’t paddle. At worst, you might hit his skull with your Board. At best, you’ll force the wave to crumble in front of him and mess up his wave. It’s not up to you to judge if the person is capable of catching the wave or not.
Don’t be shy
On the other hand, you’re going after a wave, manifest your decision to do so clearly, don’t be shy. You have waited patiently, she’s yours so make sure no one is doubting you. What happens after is another story, whether or not it goes well or not.
And as you start paddling for a wave that you are in priority for, don’t let it pass you by because you’re paddling at a snail’s pace or by being a snob when it’s offering itself to you. Somebody else would have probably loved to jump on it so don’t waste it ! If you don’t feel it, then announce it clearly and early enough that someone else can get in on top of it.
They will appreciate it
Respect all this, it’s really the most complicated thing about surfing but it is also what helps it not go off in all directions.
Don’t forget that it’s better to learn alone on a crappy wave than on some magical 15 footer with a shrewdness of apes!
Be aware of swimmers
Finally, be aware of swimmers. They are often times completely unaware of the dangers. So, it is up to you to protect them. Keep in mind the children that are playing in the shorebreak where the wave ends !!!
Surfers : Malo and l’Ours on GONG Surfboards.
